NASA Releases 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report
February 14, 2025
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released its 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report. The report provides an overview of the latest advancements in small spacecraft technologies and identifies key challenges and opportunities for future development.
Small spacecraft, which are typically defined as weighing less than 500 kilograms, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lower cost, faster development time, and greater flexibility compared to traditional large satellites. NASA has been a major driver of this trend, using small spacecraft for a wide range of missions, including Earth observation, scientific research, and human space exploration.
The 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report highlights the following key findings:
- Propulsion systems: Electric propulsion and hybrid propulsion systems are becoming increasingly common on small spacecraft, enabling longer missions and more precise maneuvers.
- Power systems: Solar panels and batteries remain the primary power sources for small spacecraft, but new technologies such as fuel cells and radioisotope thermal generators are being developed to provide greater power and reliability.
- Communications systems: Small spacecraft are now capable of communicating with Earth using a variety of technologies, including radio frequency, optical, and laser communications.
- Attitude control systems: Reaction wheels, magnetic torquers, and thrusters are the primary attitude control systems used on small spacecraft. New technologies such as cold gas thrusters and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes are being developed to improve attitude control accuracy and reliability.
- Structures and materials: Lightweight and durable materials such as carbon fiber composites and titanium are being used to build small spacecraft. New technologies such as additive manufacturing are also being used to create complex and customized spacecraft structures.
The report also identifies key challenges and opportunities for future small spacecraft development. These include:
- Reducing cost: Small spacecraft are still significantly more expensive than traditional large satellites. NASA is working to reduce costs through new technologies, such as standardized components and automated manufacturing.
- Improving reliability: Small spacecraft are typically less reliable than large satellites. NASA is working to improve reliability through new technologies, such as fault-tolerant systems and advanced diagnostics.
- Enabling new missions: Small spacecraft have the potential to enable new missions that are not possible with traditional large satellites. NASA is working to develop new technologies and capabilities that will make small spacecraft more capable and versatile.
The 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report is a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers who are interested in the latest advancements in small spacecraft technologies. The report can be downloaded from the NASA website:
2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report is Released
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